United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Overview:

• History: Formed in 2002 through the merger of UNDCP and the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division.
• Organizational Structure: Employs around 3400 staff globally, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with numerous field and liaison offices.
• Budget: Had an estimated biannual budget of US$700 million in 2016–2017.
• Aims and Functions: Assists in addressing illicit drug trafficking, crime prevention, terrorism, and corruption through research and support to governments.
• Funding: Around 90% of the Office’s funding comes from voluntary contributions.

UNODC’s Work and Publications:

• World Drug Report: An annual publication assessing global illicit drug trends.
• Treaties: Operational work underpinned by United Nations Conventions and Protocols.
• Crime-related Treaties: Includes the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
• Drug-related Treaties: Encompasses various drug-related conventions ensuring availability for medical/scientific purposes and combating trafficking and abuse.

Campaigns by UNODC:

• International Days: Observes events like the International Day against Drug Abuse and International Anti-Corruption Day.
• World Drug Campaign: Raises awareness about the impact of illicit drugs and mobilizes support against drug abuse and trafficking.
• International Anti-Corruption Campaign: Focuses on the negative impacts of corruption, combating organized crime, and promoting ethical standards.
• World AIDS Campaign: Targets youth to prevent HIV spread through drug use, emphasizing safe practices and awareness.

Criticism and Concerns:

• Top Donors: European Union, Canada, United States.
• Criticisms: Not promoting harm reduction policies, concerns about projects in Iran, and partnerships with entities like the General Prosecutor of Qatar.
• Human Rights: Criticized for lack of adherence to human rights standards in some projects.

Global Engagement and Partnerships:

• Member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.
• Incorporates the secretariat of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
• Engages in partnerships to combat international drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption.
• Collaborates with various entities to address global challenges related to drugs, crime, and corruption.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Data Sources